The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

I love Susie’s writing! And I’m enjoying these Christiansen family novels. This book followed Amelia and her European (boy)friend, Roark. 

Let’s begin with the summary:

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance―even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

And now, my review:

Amelia is the youngest Christiansen child, so all her siblings serve as pseudo-parents, hovering and over-protective. This hovering and micromanaging has left her second-guessing her own abilities and competence, especially as she hasn’t always made the best decisions. I love how Susie lets birth order influence her characters’ personalities—a clever element to this family-based series. That influence makes them move believable and realistic.

This story reminded me of the recently re-released novellas in the compilation Somewhere, My Love in regards to some overlapping themes. 

I love Roark’s heart—that he chases Amelia to the states, then this businessman makes a fool of himself attempting to learn the ways of the Minnesota lumberjack. That he found some allies among the earlier naysayers was fun too. 

Throughout the novel we see Roark’s heroism, though he’s flawed and broken. And we see Amelia’s competence, though she doubts. 

One of the themes was letting God shine truth on our perceptions, both of Him and of our past. Sometimes we assume the worst of Him, believing lies about imHimHimHim and ourselves. I’m grateful he demonstrates the truth and sets us free.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this unforgettable series!